Calls for greater vigilance over forestry

THE UN General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution proclaiming 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) has been welcomed by Andrew Doyle TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.

The aim of the year is to increase public and policy makers’ awareness of the importance of healthy plants and the necessity to protect them in order to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Minister of State Doyle commented: ‘this year the Department embarked on developing a new Plant Health Strategy which will complement the International Year of Plant Health and further help raise awareness around the importance of plant health. I urge stakeholders to continue to engage in the development of the strategy. A draft of the document will be available on the Department’s website shortly for public comment’.

The Minister continued: ‘raising awareness among industry and citizens by campaigns such as the ‘Don’t Risk It’ campaign and being prepared for new challenges will be key to reducing the risk to forest and plant health in Ireland. I am calling on the forestry and horticultural sectors to be extra vigilant regarding maintaining Ireland’s good plant health status and to report any ill health concerns to the Department’.